Loring students welcome new library

Those are the favorite reads of the fourth graders in Ms. Stacey Pincus’ class at Loring Community School, and they can now find them in their newly remodeled library.

The class was the first to see the new library Wednesday after Target and the Heart of America spent the day stocking the shelves, pinning inspirational quotes and connected new iPads.

Loring was selected in April by a committee to receive the new library. The students then submitted ideas for the design of the same and a team of Target designers then drew up plans.

The walls were painted lime green, orange and blue. New carpet was installed. And the shelves were filled with 2,000 new books.

Principal Ryan Gibbs said classes could not be taught in the old library and it was not inviting to the students. That is different now.

The fourth graders cheered as they heard the library was also fully equipped with 25 new iPads.

Senator Al Franken was at the ribbon-cutting ceremony and asked each child about their favorite books.

“Minecraft,” one boy said. He later said he also likes comedy books

Franken said he supports initiatives that aim at increasing reading proficiency at the Senate and thanked Target and those involved in bringing more books to the children.

“When kids have books in the home it really helps,” Franken said. “It helps when parents are talking to them.”

The nearly 400 students at Loring will also go home with seven new books. The gymnasium was brimming with books and students selected several books for their wishlist. At the end of the day, each classroom will have a box with their books delivered.

This is the 187th library remodeled by Target and the Heart of America in the United States. By the end of the year, they will have completed 200.

“In some schools the libraries are non-existent or are drab an uninviting,” said Reba Dominski, director for Target’s education initiatives. “Technology is also part of it, and the kids usually go straight for the iPads.”